Island Flavours: How the Isles of Scilly Are Becoming a Must-Visit Food and Drink Destination
A Food Lover’s Paradise in the Atlantic
Imagine an archipelago of sun-kissed islands surrounded by clear, warm waters teeming with marine life. A place where the climate is so mild and fertile that nearly anything can grow. This is the Isles of Scilly, a destination that’s not just a natural paradise but increasingly, a gourmet one.
For years, this potential wasn’t fully realised — but all that is changing. Food and drink on Scilly is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, placing these islands firmly on the map for culinary tourism in the UK.
The Lost Lifestyle of the Farmer-Fisher
In 2007, I spoke to a retired farmer-fisherman, Brian Jenkins of Bryher, who described a disappearing way of life: catching fish in summer, spreading storm-cast seaweed as winter fertilizer, and harvesting early spring vegetables thanks to the islands’ unique microclimate.
“Narcissi were far more profitable than veg,” he told me, recalling how flower farming overtook food production. “I think you can call me the last of the West Country crofters.”
Why Local Food Matters on Scilly
Today, the tides have turned. Over 100,000 visitors come to the Isles of Scilly each year, and they can’t exactly pop to the mainland for a meal. This captive audience is hungry for something more — and that “something” is increasingly fresh, local food and drink made with love and heritage.
As one islander put it: “Even self-catering visitors only have one small supermarket. So getting the local food offer right is vital — and that is happening now.”
Island Fish of Bryher: A Seafood Success Story
A shining example is Island Fish, founded by the Pender family on Bryher. What began in Amanda Pender’s kitchen porch has grown into a sleek, modern seafood shop and café, built with help from the Duchy of Cornwall.
The team at Island Fish on Bryher
“We wanted something that wasn’t a smelly fish shop,” said Amanda. “Now people can come here and enjoy fresh lobster straight from our boats — sometimes within minutes of landing.”
Island Fish supplies crab, lobster, wet fish and shellfish across the islands. They also offer readymade seafood takeaway meals, with options like half grilled lobster with wedges and slaw for just £17 — eaten al fresco in the café garden.
Mark Pender, Island Fish
Their efforts have earned them multiple awards, including the Great Cornish Food Award for “Fishing For The Future,” celebrating sustainable practices and community impact.
How Local Food Supports Island Culture and Sustainability
Amanda told me, “Visitors like that they’re supporting a local family, and the money goes back into the island. We’re helping preserve island culture — not just for our kids, but for the whole community.”
One of Bryher’s beaches
Ruth Huxley from Cornwall Food & Drink agrees: “There’s an island mentality here. They know they have to collaborate and innovate. And they’re doing just that.”
More Must-Try Scillonian Food and Drink Experiences
🥃 St Agnes Amaretto & Westward Farm Gin
Grace and Aidan Windridge-Hicks of Westward Farm produce an extraordinary range of gins and a house-made amaretto — Grace’s favourite drink. Years of experimentation paid off with a rich, almondy liqueur worth seeking out.
🍰 Tattie Cake from Zoe Dan’s Bake Box, Bryher
This Scillonian heritage cake is a sweet, potato-based treat originally made for flower pickers in the fields. Grab a slice from Zoe’s honesty stall on Bryher for a taste of tradition.
Zoe Dan at her Bake Box on Bryher
🍬 Veronica Farm Fudge: Bryher’s Sweet Spot
Former BBC producer Izzy Tibbs returned home to make delicious fudge on the family farm using only island ingredients — honey from Hillside Farm, milk from Troytown, sea salt, rum and gin from neighbouring islands. The result? Fudge that tastes unmistakably of Scilly.
Farm gate stall at Hillside Farm
Other Notable Scilly Food Producers
St Martin’s Vineyard – Local wines, ciders, and beer
SC Dogs, St Martin’s – Sea salt, rum, and soon the UK’s first island single malt whisky
Scilly Cider – Artisan cider makers from St Martin’s
Troytown Farm, St Agnes – Iconic island ice cream and dairy
Salakee Farm, St Mary’s – Pasture-raised beef, duck, and no-dig vegetables
Scilly Spirit, St Mary’s – Award-winning gin
The Island Bakery, St Martin’s – Local baked goods
St Martins
Travel Tips: Where to Stay and How to Get Around
Martin stayed at the beautiful Star Castle Hotel on St Mary’s — the perfect base for exploring the islands in style. Ferry transfers between the islands were arranged by the brilliant team at Falcon Boating.
Why Foodies Should Visit the Isles of Scilly Now
The Isles of Scilly offer more than dramatic scenery and peaceful walks — they now offer a chance to taste the island life. Whether it’s a flaky tattie cake or a freshly landed lobster, Scilly’s unique food culture is coming into its own — and for adventurous eaters, there’s never been a better time to visit.
The Falcon
